BOIPATONG.- The Sedibeng Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community recently held a campaign at the Boipatong Monument, all with the aim of creating awareness and acceptance amongst community members who discriminate against their gender identity.

The awareness campaign was a success as the programme kicked off with a march from the Boipatong Police Station. Various stakeholders were invited to participate in this initiative, including the Boipatong SAPS members.

The initiative was a dialogue between the LGBT community and the local community, as the LGBT members feel discriminated against because of their sexuality, especially when they open cases at police stations. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Sedibeng SEOGLO Executive Member, Loni Pitso said that the day’s purpose was to create awareness in the community and educate people on gender identity. She said one of their own, Nathalian Mbele, was brutally murdered recently and the campaign plays a part in commemorating his life.

“This campaign is part of creating awareness in our society so that we can feel accepted without being labelled. Our biggest challenge is being called terrible names. We are attacked every day and what we need is protection from the police, especially when we go to open cases,” said Pitso. Some of the concerns that were raised during the dialogue was the need for the LGBT community to be represented at all.